Should motor vehicles yield to school buses when encountering them?
4 Answers
Motor vehicles should yield to school buses when encountering them during travel. Below is relevant information: Traffic Regulations: Traffic regulations, officially known as the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China, are established to maintain road traffic order, prevent and reduce traffic accidents, protect personal safety, safeguard the property safety and other legitimate rights and interests of citizens, legal persons, and other organizations, and improve road traffic efficiency. Latest Regulations: On October 8, 2012, the Ministry of Public Security announced the latest revised "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses." The new traffic rules impose stricter management on drivers. The latest traffic regulation penalty point system is also more stringent, with running a red light increasing from 3 to 6 points, and failing to display or obscuring a license plate resulting in an immediate deduction of all 12 points.
Yes, when encountering a school bus while driving, I must yield as required by law to ensure student safety. When a school bus stops with flashing yellow or red lights, vehicles from all directions must stop and wait until it moves or the signals turn off. Having driven for many years, I've seen children get off and run across the road, which is very dangerous, so stopping is a necessary precaution to prevent accidents. China's traffic laws specifically require stopping at least 10 meters away, with a penalty of 200 yuan and 3 demerit points for violations. From a safety perspective, this isn't just a rule but common sense: children are unpredictable, and we must prioritize their protection. Developing this habit can prevent tragedies—for example, my neighbor once nearly hit a child, a profound lesson. Stopping for an extra minute on the road is no big deal; safety comes first, and life is precious.
Of course, I must yield! I'm familiar with traffic rules—when a school bus stops with its lights flashing, I must stop immediately and not try to squeeze past. The regulations state that you must wait until the lights are off or the bus moves, especially when children are getting on or off. The reason is simple: students are small and easily overlooked, posing a high risk when crossing the road. Violations can result in points deducted, fines, or worse, causing accidents that harm the innocent. When driving, I stay alert to the position of school buses, slowing down early to prepare to stop. This principle is emphasized globally—safety first—for example, similar laws in the U.S. are even stricter. Remember, once this habit is formed, it becomes effortless and reassuring—it's a responsibility and contributes to community harmony.
When I was a beginner, I learned this: you must stop and wait when encountering a school bus making a stop. The flashing lights are the signal—all vehicles, including those on the opposite side of the road, must stop to avoid rushing, as children are getting on or off. It's a simple operation: stop immediately when the lights flash, ensuring at least 10 meters of distance until the lights turn off or the school bus starts moving. Don’t panic; just wait patiently—safety first. The instructor repeatedly emphasized this rule as crucial for protecting students. I actually tested it once—I almost forgot but reacted in time, and now it's a subconscious habit. Every time I see a school bus, I naturally slow down.